by Bet Milner
"The thing is, I was going to do this tomorrow but you kinda stole my thunder." She laughed and continued. "I hadn't finished that thing you asked me to do so... I was waiting for that inspiration to come. But you are all my inspiration Juju berry. I think I figured out the ending. So..." She put down the mic and opened the box revealing the shiny diamond solitaire sparkling vividly in the rainbow colored stage lights. She looked up into those shining eyes pricking with tears and felt more confident in the response she'd receive she whispered "will you marry me?"
Julia nodded as the tears fell and allowed Danni to place the ring on her finger. "Yes I will now get up you idiot so I can kiss you!" They kissed passionately as the crowd roared its appreciation once more. Danni picked up the mic, reluctant to break away from the long overdue kiss but knowing the show must go on.
Julia whispered "that's certainly going to be a great ending to the book, but why do I feel like this is just the beginning."
Danni pulled her back in for another kiss. She giggled a bit then nervously looked at the woman in front of her wide eyed.
"But this is for real right? You really are going to marry me?"
Julia laughed with the most genuine concern on her face and said sweetly. "Of course I am! Don't think you're getting rid of me that easily!" She winked and began to saunter off the stage feeling she'd had enough limelight for one evening.
Danni called out quickly before she was out of earshot "Better than fiction. I love you."
"I love you too." She sobbed and the crowd sent up a collective aww.
Danni watched her walk off and then turned to the band. The drummer bashed out a click, click, click, click with his sticks and the music screeched back into action, dulling the sound of the crowd. The rest of the performance was the best of her life and was noted by the captivated audience. Danni sang, but her heart sang louder.
25
18 months later
"I still think it should be you." Danni huffed loudly and Julia quickly shushed her.
"You're like a spoilt child sometimes Danni." Julia whispered into her wife's ear. "She was the better choice now quiet down!"
She looked slyly around to check nobody had heard the comment but caught the eye of a glaring woman in the row behind. She smiled apologetically and shook her head, earning a polite smile from said glaring woman.
*Crunch Crunch crunch*
Julia elbowed her wife in the ribs.
"For the love of God, Danni leave the damn popcorn alone! I take it back. You are worse than a spoilt child!"
Danni giggled in pain from the sharp prod to her ribs and popcorn spewed from her mouth causing the people behind them to clear their throats awkwardly.
"I mean I just don't see the point of having it here if nobody is gonna eat it!" The blonde whined playfully knowing how irritating she was being.
"It's ss-symbolic." Julia tried to stifle a giggle choking on the 'S' realizing just how ridiculous that sounded and how much her wife was about to laugh.
Danni guffawed on cue and the guy sat behind her caught the contagious laugh chiming in a little louder, "She has a fair point there!" And he munched loudly on his own popcorn to show his solidarity. The group around them started to relax a bit and lighten up.
"You are such a cliché at times dear." Julia commented grinning.
"Uhm would that be my rowdy rebel rock star persona?"
"It would. And thankfully that made my job so much easier casting 'Annie'." She rolled her eyes still gob smacked by the blonde’s ability to be so original and creative in every other area of her life but somehow missing how obvious her character names were.
Danni smiled and settled down more comfortably in her seat. She knew how nervous Julia had been about tonight and well, let's just say Julia wasn't the only one with a few acting skills up her sleeve. Her job was done, for now, and she silently took her wife's hand in her lap and sat back to watch their finished collaboration.
She cringed a bit as Julia came on screen and played out the scene where her supposed BFF sent the 'tacos' story. The cringe only got worse as the film progressed and the 'Theresa' and 'Anya' love scenes played out.
"I still don't know why you chose to play Reese... I am scarred for life woman!" Danni grimaced.
Julia laughed heartily. "You mean "Theresa' dear? She had the best lines and besides, I thought you'd be happy that GwenAsh finally got their ship to sail."
Reese was sat a few seats down as Tania’s plus one and overheard the conversation. She threw some popcorn at her best friend and stuck her tongue out. “And don’t think I have forgiven you for using my real fucking name, bitch!”
Tania cuddled up to her girlfriend and teased. “I think I just figured out a new outfit idea for later. Always did turn me on wondering what those nuns get up to behind closed doors.”
Reese pounced on Tania. Their PDA’s had become much worse in the last year or so. At first, they had just hooked up on occasions where the four women were together, but it soon turned into a real relationship even though neither liked to admit it. She spoke between kisses, “How about we make it a sister act and invite some of the others over?”
Tania groaned clearly pleased with Reese’s, “As long as we don’t make it a habit.”
Julia and Danni were shaking trying not to laugh out loud. The pair always provided ample entertainment and it had been so much fun on set.
Julia knew Tania would be the only fit for her own part and she'd accepted the role gratefully. After all, it was their story too. She looked over at her friend a few seats down and signaled for her to keep her eyes on Danni. Her reaction was just too funny.
Danni groaned as the pair made out on screen. "Ughh Julia is this the surprise you were referring to? I don't think I can watch anymore!" She covered her eyes in an exaggerated motion and Julia grabbed at her arms pulling them back down into her lap.
"What can I say dear... payback is a bitch! Keep your eyes forward. There's this really technical scene on the couch we had to shoot over and over which I'm sure you'll find... interesting."
Danni laughed and raised her hands in defeat. "I'm guessing this is payback for a couple of things. Didn't know you still held a grudge."
"Oh I don't. I just love to watch you squirm!" She whispered.
The premier was a huge success. Julia was praised for her directing skills as well as her casting judgement and the film received rave reviews. Danni, without ever intending to, was suddenly thrust farther into the limelight and marked as a "One to watch.' Her screenwriting was praised and she was being approached by networks looking to sign her up as a writer. It wasn't something she'd ever considered and doubted she'd ever give up the music for a life behind a desk. It just wasn't who she was. But she had enjoyed working so closely with her wife after the second tour. It's just what they'd needed.
The second album hadn't been quite as big as the first but was still a hit by any standards. The tour sold out everywhere and Starr was more than happy to grant Danni an extended contract.
Better Than Fiction had also been the start of something much bigger. Julia and Tania co-founded their own production company focusing on female rights and their production list was currently filled with whistle-blowing projects that aimed to raise awareness of exploitation within the industry, as well as other feminist issues. FemSlash Films were set to become one of the most successful and referenced companies in the industry.
As for the stars of the story... well, let's go back to the night after the premier.
"Tania and I think you need to write a follow up to BTF." Julia called casually as she unzipped her gown.
She heard an exaggerated groan followed by the sound of the shower springing into life.
"I don't know if I've got it in me to write another one. BTF was my happy ending and a one-time thing."
The shower door slid open and the brunette joined her wife under the stream.
"No pressure. I was just saying maybe think about it. But do what you
need to do." Julia placed a gentle kiss to the back of the blonde's neck and maneuvered herself under the streaming water. "I agree though. It was everything. We literally just gave the world our story and I couldn't love you any more than I already do."
Danni kissed her with a heartfelt smile. It still felt surreal that this was her real life now! "And I couldn't love you more." She grabbed the soap and began lathering.
"I don't think a sequel would work. I mean, how am I gonna top that epic tale?"
Julia got that glint in her eye that told Danni things were about to get steamy and not from the actual steam. Her words did not disappoint.
"Well... how about you just worry about topping this for now."
Danni audibly groaned and did as she was instructed while melodies, lyrics and harmonies swirled around in her head.
"Maybe I could be inspired."
The End.